Named after the racing series, the Pontiac Can Am was a one-year muscle car based on the mid-size LeMans. Production delays kept output low, and it’s estimated that only 1,377 of the vehicles were built. When GM’s mid-size machines were redesigned in 1978, Pontiac elected not to continue with the automobile, making it rare then and now. This one is in rough shape and is described as a stalled project with the engine rebuild not complete, Thank you for the cool tip, Tony Primo!
The Can Am was powered by a 400 cubic inch V8 that produced 200 hp (SAE net). It was not the base 400 but one that was paired with an automatic transmission and a Shaker hood borrowed from the Trans Am. In California, buyers got a 403 V8 from Olds as the Pontiac engine didn’t then pass their more stringent emissions requirements. Considering the success the latter car was having as a result of the Smokey and the Bandit movie, sales of the Can Am didn’t take off. And it did help that the mold for the rear spoiler broke during pre-production, causing a delay.
According to the seller, this Pontiac has recently emerged from storage and is a project needing completion. The car has a period-correct engine that’s a work in progress as the vehicle has traveled 113,000 miles. The bottom part of the motor is said to be done, and the top is put together. The Can Am retains its original heads, intake manifold, and 4-barrel carburetor. Plus, a set of headers is along for the ride. We assume all the parts are there to get it running, but don’t count on it.
The interior is mostly good from what we can tell, though a new dashpad and package tray will need securing. The body and paint are another story. There is loads of surface rust associated with the older repaint (white was the Can Am’s only color) and it’s likely you’ll find more the closer you look. From Bennington, Vermont, this lovelorn Pontiac is available here on craigslist for $4,000, but if you restore it, you’d likely have one of only a few hundred left in circulation.
This iteration of the colonnade is nice; not sure I need to see any more white ones. Perhaps this one can be taken in a different direction? Black finish would be sharp with that red interior. 400 hp would be enough. CanAm will never will be worth so much that an owner should not change it up a bit.
Actually, these are beginning to be recognized and appreciated. The last few that went to auction hit high 30s and even 40s at times. People wanted them then. Sales I believe were over 5000 but the broken spoiler mold halted it all at 1377.
I agree. This is a model I would love to restomod because they look cool, but usually the examples I see for sale are just too nice to do that to, as this is a rare car. This one though fits the bill. Maybe this will be the week for that winning lottery ticket…
Russ, the mold for the spoiler broke after production had started. Pontiac elected not to spring for a new mold, so production ended well short of the 5000 orders Pontiac reportedly received. The return of the Grand Am for 1978 made the Can Am unnecessary, and since the 1978 intermediates were substantially lighter than the 1977 versions, Pontiac could no longer use the same EPA certification for the Can Am as they did for the W72 Trans Am.
I’m calling this a good price. The important parts are there, stripe kits are available, and there’s enough a bodies floating around to source anything else you need. David, the restomod is compelling. The greater value left with the original engine, so sure, black would look sharp with the Rallye II wheels. Go crazy and swap in a manual.
I currently don’t have anywhere to build this or I would probably roll the dice.
I had one with same colors in the mid 80′, on a quiet night you could hear it rust. Around here (SW Ohio Valley) the tin worm got into them pretty bad.
Fun fact: the Can Am was outlawed by the local demo derby because due to the rear slope a few wound up with a competitor’s front wheels parked on the roof.
The restomod seems to have some merit. It was kind of a parts bin car to begin with. Whip up a stout 400/455 and maybe a manual or o/d automatic. As for color black is an easy pick but the red interior would pair well with silver, dk blue or light yellow from ’78.
I think, given the canvas before us, black paint would be stunning, even contrasting beautifully with the OEM strip package! It would emulate the design colors for some Hurst/Olds years having that same twin color pallet!!!
This is a complete rust bucket. It would not be worth building if a guy got it for free.
I guess a very rare rust bucket! If not you could not afford it anyway… So leave the negatives in the outhouse where they came from for free!
I could afford a finished one. I also have extensive experience working with rusty bodies and panel fabrication/welding.
My statement was not negative. It was fact.
Put away your rose colored glasses. You might save yourself some heartache.
Unless you’ve personally inspecting the car an you’re just going off the photos, I think your comment of it being “a complete rust bucket” is a bit of an exaggeration.
If you’re even a little familiar with these cars and the value of the parts you might reconsider, especially if your able to do the work yourself and this isn’t above your skill level.
a lemans with a hood scoop and a rear spoiler. nothing more nothing less and rot bucket to boot.
You forgot the Grand Prix dash / instrument panel and decals.
Looks like water damage on the carpet so floorboards may be toast. Rear spoiler may have some value as other parts as well.